Breakfast at night may sound strange, but at Wailana Coffee House, it’s a meal that fits right into the 24-hour eatery. Mac nut pancakes doused in coconut syrup, French toast stuffed with guava, eggs Benedict…are you convinced yet? All perfect dishes to satisfy those late-night cravings.

The diner has been a mainstay in Waikiki since the 1960s. It’s got an old-fashioned feel about it that’s apparent in the retro decor and the fluffy homemade pancakes, just like mama used to make! And in those cute old waiters and waitresses that really work endlessly to keep the place running. What do they say is the most popular dish? The Jamboree Breakfast, which includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, two strips of bacon and two eggs.

If you’re not into breakfast, then Wailana also serves lunch and dinner foods, like fresh sandwiches and salads or steak and fried rice. My parents swear by their broasted chicken dinners, which takes a bit longer to cook but definitely worth the wait. No matter how full they may be at the end of the meal, my dad always orders a hot fudge sundae to share with the rest of us. A family tradition of sorts.

As with most old-school diners, the food is usually pretty cheap, so Wailana is a very nice respite from the over-priced meals you might find in touristy Waikiki. Plus, the food at Wailana is as local as they come. Like I said, they remind me of the home-cooked meals of my childhood. Delicious!

If you happen to swing by during actual breakfast hours, be prepared to wait. Sometimes, the line will be spilling onto the sidewalk. I’d suggest coming after the rush, or come late at night. You’re growling tummy will thank you for the swift and savory meal.